§ Mr. Nealeasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will specify the future age limits which will apply to people who wish to join the job release scheme.
§ Mr. AlisonAs my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced in his Budget 425W Statement—[Vol. 39, c. 137]—the part-time job release scheme will be open to men aged 62 to 64, disabled men aged 60 to 64 and women aged 59. The scheme will open for applications on 8 August 1983, and older workers will be able to change to part-time work and draw an allowance from 3 October 1983 onwards, so long as an unemployed person is taken on for the other half of their job. The scheme will close for applications on 31 March 1985. Further details will be announced shortly.
The existing full-time job release scheme, which is open to the same age groups as the new part-time scheme, will continue until 31 March, 1984. From April 1984 to 31 March, 1985 the age limit of 62 for men will be raised to 64; women will continue to be eligible at 59 and disabled men at 60.